Antidepressants are medications that are individually prescribed to treat ailments such as depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, chronic pain, and several other psychiatric illnesses or health problems. In many countries, such as the United States, Canada and even Italy, they can only be taken upon prescription from the attending physician; if you need them, you can get them by contacting your doctor for a visit and having them prescribed.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Make a doctor's appointment
A psychiatrist or family doctor can see you and talk to you about the need to take these medications to treat your health problem. In most cases, the best thing to do is to consult a psychiatrist, as he specializes in mental illnesses, has more experience with the action of antidepressants on the body, on the psyche and can therefore prescribe those that are most suitable for the situation. specific.
- Do a search to find some professionals in your area who are affiliated with the national health facility or who are covered by your health insurance policy (if you have one) and make an appointment by phone or online.
- You can also ask your general practitioner to recommend one or go to the nearest clinic.
Step 2. Be very specific when describing your symptoms to your doctor
Provide as much detail as possible so you can give him all the information he needs to diagnose your condition and prescribe the right type of antidepressant for you. For example, if you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, there are two different types of medications to manage manic and depressive phases, while those with anxiety need a specific type of medication.
Also describe physical symptoms, such as insomnia and loss of energy, as well as mental symptoms, such as sadness and a sense of helplessness
Step 3. Explain the causes of your depression and stress
By identifying the source of your ailment, you help your doctor diagnose and treat it correctly by prescribing the right drug for your specific situation; be honest with him when he asks you if there are any stressors in your life.
For example, you may be currently experiencing a negative emotional relationship that is triggering depression; talk to your doctor
Step 4. Tell him about the duration of the symptoms
It is important that you know how long you have been experiencing this malaise. In most cases, patients who have been experiencing symptoms of stress for a long time are the best candidates for antidepressants; On the other hand, those who have recently suffered from it due to a separation from their partner or the loss of their job may not receive these drugs (at least not immediately).
Step 5. Describe to the doctor any steps you have taken to relieve symptoms
Tell him about any medications you are currently taking, including vitamin supplements and even the birth control pill; in this way, he is able to better understand which treatment is most effective (or offers no benefit) for the malaise. For example, tell them all the medications and medications you are taking to try to treat depression, if you are exercising more often, or if you eat healthier foods to try to get better.
Some medications you are currently taking may also be responsible for depression or anxiety, and your doctor may prescribe alternatives to relieve your symptoms
Step 6. Prepare various questions and requests
After doing some research on the different types of antidepressants, you can ask your doctor for any advice and requests you think are appropriate. Tell him about the drugs you would like to take and justify this choice; Also ask him what side effects the various medications have.
Evaluate the antidepressants that are prescribed most often and which of them have benefited patients the most
Step 7. Get a prescription
Most drugs that fall into this category are only available upon presentation of a prescription and can only be purchased in authorized pharmacies. Before you leave the doctor's office, make sure that the doctor prescribes the medicine for you or that you send an electronic prescription directly to the pharmacy.
Find out about the cost of the medicine and consider if it is covered by the National Health Service (or by private insurance, if you have taken it out); some antidepressants are more expensive than others, and sometimes you can find the generic one which is cheaper
Step 8. Go to the pharmacy right away to get the medicine
Although pharmacies open 24 hours a day, seven days a week are quite rare, there are still mandatory "on call" pharmacies that perform night and holiday service. You can then contact your pharmacist promptly to receive the antidepressant and start treatment immediately; give him the prescription, so that he can deliver the medicine to you immediately; however, sometimes it is necessary to wait a few hours or even a day for the drug to be ready, especially if it is not in stock.
Step 9. Get regular medical checks
Once you get your prescription, you probably have questions to ask the doctor or maybe you have started taking the medicine and sometimes you feel unwell. In these cases, you must contact him to ask him all the doubts and questions of the case or to make an appointment if necessary.
If he can't answer the phone right away, leave him a message or send him an email
Step 10. Ask for a second opinion if you see fit
Some doctors are rather reluctant to issue a prescription for antidepressants, believing that the patient will be able to overcome the symptoms on their own through lifestyle changes; however, if you think your depression, anxiety, or other ailments are debilitating, you can seek a second medical opinion. Make an appointment with this other doctor or psychiatrist.
Method 2 of 3: Knowing and Taking Antidepressants
Step 1. Follow your doctor's directions when taking your medications
Taking more or less than prescribed can increase the risk of causing side effects or other health problems. If at any time you feel the need to increase the dosage to relieve depression, consult your doctor first to get his approval or to consider alternative treatments.
Contact them before taking any new drugs or supplements while on antidepressants
Step 2. Follow the therapy correctly
Many of these medications take weeks to take effect, so take them as prescribed by your doctor; set an alarm on your phone to remind you when you need to hire them.
If after a few months of regular treatment you still do not notice any improvement, contact your doctor
Step 3. Know the side effects
They can vary based on the type of antidepressant you have been prescribed; your doctor or pharmacist should inform you about the potential adverse effects.
If you find it necessary, you can also do some research on your own. Consider what you can do to prevent or minimize the occasions when you experience these side effects, for example by changing your diet
Step 4. Undergo psychotherapy
Antidepressants may be effective for you, but they tend to offer better results when paired with psychological therapy. If you can support the financial commitment, seek out a licensed psychologist who can help you overcome the problem.
Method 3 of 3: Take Further Steps to Improve Mental Health
Step 1. Meditate
Meditation has been found to help reduce anxiety, stress and improve mood. Some people claim that it is even more useful than some antidepressants for treating mental disorders. Spend ten minutes or more a day in a quiet, distraction-free place focusing on your body and breath. There are also several smartphone applications that you can download and that help you follow this practice, such as Headspace and Calm.
Step 2. Get physical
Exercise is also important for improving overall physical and mental health; offers you a few moments every day to "stop thinking" and focus mainly on the body. Take a walk around the block, go out for a run, or join a local gym.
Step 3. Change the power supply
Diet has been found to play a key role in mood; Foods rich in sugar or fat tend to increase symptoms of depression or anxiety more than those rich in protein or vitamins, such as vegetables and lean meat.
Limit fast food and sweets for a month and see if your mood improves
Step 4. Reduce Stress
Examine all areas of your life that are generating emotional tension and determine how you can manage or limit it. For example, if you are always running in the morning to take your child to school, arrange for him to take the school bus or ask your partner to take care of it a few mornings; a few small changes can greatly improve your overall mood.
Step 5. Spend time with friends
Do your best not to isolate yourself in this difficult time for you. Stay in touch with friends and plan outings with friends at least once a week; go to the cinema, the restaurant or spend time just chatting.
However, avoid associating with bad company
Step 6. Get enough sleep
This is another important aspect of maintaining an emotional balance; make sure you sleep at least 7 hours a night; Practice relaxing "sleep hygiene" to help you fall asleep, such as a hot bath or a hot cup of tea.
Try to go to bed at the same time every night
Warnings
- Avoid alcohol.
- Do not take antidepressants given to you by friends or family, as the dosage and type of medication suitable for them may not be compatible with your type of depression, mental disorder or other health problem. Always consult your doctor before taking prescription medications to reduce the risk of major medical conditions or aggravate depression.
- Most antidepressants take about 6 weeks to reach their maximum therapeutic effect. You need to be patient as you wait for the results and keep in mind that you may need to try different medicines before finding the one that works best for you.
- Do not abruptly stop drug therapy without first asking your doctor for advice; he may advise you to gradually reduce the dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
